The Belgian Army in World War I

Osprey Men at Arms #452

by Ronald Pawly, Pierre Lierneux, Patrice Courcelle (Illustrator)

While small in numbers, the Belgian Army played a vital role in World War I (1939-1945) that is often overlooked. Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium, which led Britain to declare war in August 1914, should have been swift and fierce yet the unexpected heroic defense, against great odds, of Belgian fortresses, frustrated the German Schlieffen Plan for a thrust to Paris and a lightning victory. The plucky Belgian resistance proved successful in buying time for French and British troops to mobilize and report to the front, where the Belgians would then go on to fight, stubbornly defending the northern end of the Allied trench line for the rest of the war. Discover the story of this determined Army, from their organization and commanders, to their uniforms and equipment. The only main combatant army of World War I not previously covered by Osprey, this volume will be an important addition to any enthusiast's collection, accompanied by detailed artwork and archive photographs.

Genres: World War I, History, Military History, Nonfiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2009

Reviews

[Robin Braysher · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the record it didn't take me over a week to read this short and heavily illustrated book! Just three short sessions - but I didn't want to take it on holiday. It's a super little volume up to Osprey's usual high standard. I realised that in all my reading on the First World War I had read nothing on the Belgian army. This is a great introduction covering in concise style the experience of the army in the war, its organisation and uniform and kit. As always, Men-At-Arms titles (a series I have appreciated from my early days) cram in a lot of information in a small space. The book is well illustrated with contemporary photos and, the highlight for me, eight colour plates by the excellent Patrice Courcelle.

[Joe Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This covers mostly the the organization of the Belgian Army and the 1914 campaigns. It does cover the later European campaigns up to the end of the war. It also covers uniform details.

[Andrew Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy overview of the Belgian Army in WWI. Provides enough to highlight the important moments/challenges that can then be the basis for further reading.